Name:__________________________
Literary Analysis Outline
Title of Work:
Author:
“A Man Who Had No Eyes”
Mackinlay Kantor
Protagonist: Mr. Parsons
Antagonist (if any): The beggar (Markwardt)
Themes (full idea explaining a message/what the author is communicating about a topic)
For example: “Friendship” is a topic; a theme would be, “Friendship is essential
when facing difficulties in life.”
One can overcome difficulties and obstacles if he or she has a positive outlook (Parsons),
while if one has a negative outlook (Markwardt), that obstacle will end up ruining your life.
Notes:
Evidence:
CHARACTERIZATION:
Markwardt
-blind beggar, battered cane, shaggy thick-necked, greasy coat, wearing
black pouch over shoulder, selling lighters, lies about blindness story.
Mr. Parsons
-immaculate gray suit and hat, Malacca stick, also blind, successful,
respected.
Notes:
MOTIVATION:
Markwardt:
Mr. Parsons:
Evidence:
-wanting sympathy, trying to make money, save himself. “I got a handy
little article here…that I sell for one buck.” “You got away but I’m
blind! Do you hear?”
-to help out the beggar—He brought out two half dollars and pressed
them into the man’s hand. “Certainly I’ll help you out.”
-to hear Markwardt’s story—“Have you lost your sight entirely?”
CONFLICT:
INTERNAL: -Parsons vs. self
EXTERNAL: -Markwardt vs. Parsons
-Markwardt vs. blindness—blindness wins
-Parsons vs. blindness—Parsons wins
Other Literary Elements or Techniques:
(for ex. symbolism, foreshadowing, mood, setting, diction, point of view, flashback, etc.)
Foreshadowing—Parsons hearing beggar, feeling for money, Malacca stick, skilled labor,
struggled beneath handicaps, foolish sort of pity for all blind creatures
Flashback—C shop explosion
Point of view—3rd person
Setting: Outside Mr. Parson’s hotel, on the street, 14 years after explosion at C-Shop